Fence-post.



Patented luly I5, i902.

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(No Model.)

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES WALKER TODD, OF OSNABURG, OHIO.

FENCE-POST.

SPEIFICATION forlning part of Letters Patent NO. 704,983, dated July 15, 1902. Application filed November 22,1901. Serial No. 83,324. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES WALKER Toon, a citizen of the United States, residing at Osnaburg, in the county of Stark and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fence-Posts, of Which the following isa specification, reference be ing had therein to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, in Which- Figure l is a view in elevation of a section of Wire fence mounted upon two of' my improved posts. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the post, partly broken away. Fig. 3 is a partial vertical sectional view therethrough, indicated by the line III III of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view on the line IV IV of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a similar View, on an enlarged scale, before the insertion of the attaching-strip.

My invention relates to the class of fenceposts and other similar structures, and refers more particularly to a post composed of clay or other vitreous substance or material adapted to be molded into form and to be burned, especially constructed and adapted for the objects in view and provided with means for securing to the post Wire, wirenetting, or other form of fence structure. Y

Referring to the drawings, the main body portion 2 of the post is molded in suitable dies or forming mechanism into suitable lengths having the cross-section shown in Fig. 5, whereby the post is provided with longitudinal rectangular strips 3, intervening depressions 4, and a V-shaped longitudinal groove (i, which elements preferably extend from one end to the otherof the post throughout. On each side of the groove 6 the body portion is molded in the form of longitudinal retaininglips 7, adapted to project over and hold in place a rectangular strip of Wood or other suitable material 8. The alternate inner faces 9 of the recess 6 are opposite to and parallel with each other, so that the normal crosssection of the opening is V-shaped, the point of the V being a right angle, the particular object of which is that it isthus adapted to receive square or rectangular strips of Wood and to hold them against removal. An especial advantage of this construction is that the ordinary rectangular mill-stuff may be used for the strip without subsequent .finishing or requiringspecial shape,fas dovetail or other form. The cross-section ofthe post is Well adapted to these forms `of strip, and the shape and proportions of the retaining-lips 7 are such as not to materially vary the general equilateral form of the post, and by forming the groove so that the inner Walls 9 converge toward the center and the outer Walls 9 extend in an opposite direction the socket is adapted to receive and hold the strip in such a position that only one of its four corners is exposed, the main body portion of it being embraced Within the post, securely holding it therein and protecting it from the weather. If desired, this outer corner may be rounded or squared, as indicated at 10 in Fig. 4, thus rendering it more convenient for the attachment of the strands of Wire, boards, strips, rbc., by means of staples or nails. For the purpose of supporting the `strips 8 at the bottom a plug or section 1l of clay is inserted at a convenient point, about the level or slightly above the level of the ground, When the post is in position, such plug or section being inserted after the sectional post is formed in the side and before the post is burned. The strip 8 is inserted at the top of the recess 6 and driven down until it rests upon the plug or step 1l, which thus provides a solid restand also prevents access of moisture to the inner surface of the Wood. Any material suitable for making fences may be secured to the strip by nailing, such as Wire strands, strips of board, Src.

It will be understood that the posts may be made in any length desired and that the cross-section may also be varied from the specific form shown and described, as Well as other changes which may be made by the skilled mechanic, Without departing from the invention, and I do not desire to be limited in the accompanying claims to such speciiic construction as to the outer portion, although the'construotion of the groove and. of the retaining-lips is as I have described it.

The advantages of a post composed of Vit-- reous material or mineral substances, such as fire-clay, are Well understood and appreci ated, and when made and used in the manner ICO which I have shown and described my invention is Well adapted to provide a post superior in its advantages and novel in its construction over other devices of a generally similar character.

In the process of manufacturing my post after the hollow section `has been passed through the dies a strip of wood or other suitable material is inserted through the opening 5 from end to end, Which serves to stiften the ished grade of goods.

Having described my invention, what I claim isl. A post composed of a mineral substance molded into form and provided With a longitudinal V-shaped groove the angle at the point of the V being a right angle, and having longitudinal retaining-lips at the outer edges of the groove; substantially as described.

2. A post composed of a mineral substance molded into form and provided with a central longitudinal opening and with a V-shaped longitudinal groove, the angle at the point of the V being a right angle, and having longitudinal retaining-lips at the outer edges of the groove 5 substantially as described.

3. A post composed of a mineral substance molded into form and provided with a longitudinal V-shaped groove in one of its surfaces, the angle at the point of the V being a right angle, and having longitudinal retaining-lips at the outer edges of the groove, and a stop formed of the same material and constituting a homogeneous portion of the post inserted in the longitudinal groove near the base of the post, for supporting the fencestrip which said groove is adapted to contain; substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

JAMES WALKER TODD.

Witnesses:

AGNES N. TODD, EDITH MCD. DONALD. 

